GREAT SCOTT

Things are definitely heating up for saxophonist Randy Scott.

A new record label.  A new saxophone endorsement deal.

And best of all, a sizzling song off his new album that's reached No. 18 on the Billboard charts.

Oh, and his fifth album doesn't debut until next week, September 27.

It's said 'Good things come to those who wait'.  After the release of '90 Degrees At Midnight' next week, Scott may just have to start thinking about quitting his day job of being a school teacher in the Detroit area.

Hard to believe this "teacher" has been learning his craft for a number of years.  Once mentored at age 12 by one of his idols, Grover Washington, Jr., Scott's first album was released way back in 1993.  To look at him, he doesn't resemble a man in his???

"I'm not telling my age," Scott said with a guilty smile. "They (his students) always ask what's that on your chin? I paint ceilings.  I paint white ceilings."

The touch of grey on his thin goatee doesn't give away a musician, composer, and producer who's put in his time of working on other projects besides his own.  Just to name drop, Scott has either written for, performed with or produced the likes of Anita Baker, Randy Crawford, Brittany Spears, Hiroshima, Najee, Fred Hammond, Norman Brown, Bob James, Marion Meadows - you get the idea.


Scott's work on a project by friend and artist Tim Bowman so impressed executives at 'Trippin N Rhythm' records, that they decided to sign him as a client.  Throw in an exclusive deal with 'Yanagisawa Saxophones' and this could be the start of a 'And the rest is history' story.

"Musically I'm influenced by so many different people," Scott admitted.  "My favorite saxophonist right now is Kirk Whalum, but I draw from everybody.  All different styles of music from rock to country to jazz to R&B and gospel."

Taking advantage of his vast array of talents, Scott took total control of his latest project, electing to avoid the big recording studio experience.

"I built a studio in my basement mainly because I wanted to not only save money, but to be close to my family, not have to travel so much to record records.  It's just been a blessing.  I've put my heart and soul into this new record.  I'm just excited for everyone to check it out," Scott said beaming.

The selections on '90 Degrees At Midnight' are a perfect mixture of old school interpretations and a reflection of Scott's ability as a song writer/composer/artist.

Randy Scott

The title song is the one making serious noise on the Billboard charts, but as the album makes the rounds beginning next week, an audience will no doubt be grooving to 'Boogie Oogie Oogie' as well.  Yeah, that 'Get down, Boogie Oogie Oogie... Get down, Boogie Oogie Oogie'.   I'm sure that infectious tune is already dancing in your mind now.

In listening to the album, there isn't a miscue or cut on it you feel the need to skip over.  I was saddened when the ten selections were over, seriously wanting to be entertained some more.  'Sunsets' is a playful tune that will take you away to a warm vacation spot you once visited.

One of those musical influences Scott talked about is on display with an R&B tune made famous by D'Angelo.  He absolutely nails 'Lady'.

To tell you any more would be akin to spoiling what should be a personal discovery.




Come September 27, find a record store, order offline or download '90 Degrees At Midnight'.  Take it with you wherever you go and your day will be sweeter.